http://www.greenlivingonline.com/GettingAround/electric-vehicles-2008/
(Feb 7, 2008)
We caught a glimpse of the future of sustainable transportation at the 23rd International Electric Vehicle Symposium in Anaheim, California last December. How have things progressed since then? 
Converting the converted
One of the most promising vehicles is the Oemtek Breez. This plug and play after-market battery pack can be added to any Prius or other hybrid, immediately upgrading it to a more efficient plug-in hybrid. The result is a 42+ km/L (100+ MPG) vehicle emitting half as much CO2, with a fill-up cost of no more than $1. It’s available for pre-order with an anticipated delivery date sometime later this year.
Don’t forget the big boys
Delivery trucks are notorious for their horrific diesel fumes delivered alongside the goods. But we are going to have to wait a little bit longer for trucks like the Smith Newton and the Modec to be cruising city streets with zero emissions, no noise pollution, and good looks to boot. Already used in the United Kingdom, these advanced sodium nickel chloride zebra battery powered vehicles can reach speeds of 80 km/h (50 mph) for more than 160 km (100 miles) per charge. North American delivery is being promised by 2010.
Sweet utility
Phoenix Altairnano is in productions on its an all-electric sport utility truck. Soaring up 152 km/h (95 mph) with a payload capacity of up to 453 kilos (1,000 lbs), it gets over 169 km (100 miles) for each 5-hour charge. The familiar digital display screen found in other EVs has been done away with and instead there are the typical gauges allowing the driver to easily read and understand specs like energy efficiency. Grandpa won’t be freaked out by any flashing lights or automated voices in this truck but should be impressed by its smooth moves and simplicity. It should be available at the end of 2008.
Tesla+SolarCity = No Carbon
Well unless you already have an order in, you’ll have to wait until 2009 for your Tesla Roadster. This silent, sleek, and sexy two-seat, open top sports car can reach a top speed of 201 km/h (125 mph) at an acceleration of 0-96 km/h (0-60 mph) in 4 seconds and gets over 321 km/h (200 miles) of driving per each 3.5 hour charge. Not only is it the only 100 percent electric sports car with zero emissions, but a smart car with USB capabilities.
An interesting new accessory is the futuristic carport designed by SolarCity that matches the Tesla’s good looks. This photovoltaic carport can generate enough energy to power a daily commute of 64 km (40 miles) on clean, green solar energy and is set up to plug into the household resulting in the fastest charging times and lowest cost. Connecting the two is an obvious win, environmentally, economically, and socially.
Coming to a parking lot near you
All these EVs are going to need somewhere to park and charge. Envision Solar is manufacturing its first-ever Solar Grove -- an array of 25 "solar trees" that converts a 186-vehicle parking lot into a 235-kW solar electric generating system. What better use for hot blacktop asphalt lots that to transform them into energy-producing fields of shade, light, and power that conveniently charge your EV while your busy shopping at your favourite mega-mall for some organic fare?
"Look both ways before you cross the street" could come to have more meaning in 2008 when these noiseless and sleek EVs start hitting our streets.
Levi Felix is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles.
Electric vehicles in 2008 (so far)
Image: levi felix
Converting the converted
One of the most promising vehicles is the Oemtek Breez. This plug and play after-market battery pack can be added to any Prius or other hybrid, immediately upgrading it to a more efficient plug-in hybrid. The result is a 42+ km/L (100+ MPG) vehicle emitting half as much CO2, with a fill-up cost of no more than $1. It’s available for pre-order with an anticipated delivery date sometime later this year.
Don’t forget the big boys
Delivery trucks are notorious for their horrific diesel fumes delivered alongside the goods. But we are going to have to wait a little bit longer for trucks like the Smith Newton and the Modec to be cruising city streets with zero emissions, no noise pollution, and good looks to boot. Already used in the United Kingdom, these advanced sodium nickel chloride zebra battery powered vehicles can reach speeds of 80 km/h (50 mph) for more than 160 km (100 miles) per charge. North American delivery is being promised by 2010.
Sweet utility
Phoenix Altairnano is in productions on its an all-electric sport utility truck. Soaring up 152 km/h (95 mph) with a payload capacity of up to 453 kilos (1,000 lbs), it gets over 169 km (100 miles) for each 5-hour charge. The familiar digital display screen found in other EVs has been done away with and instead there are the typical gauges allowing the driver to easily read and understand specs like energy efficiency. Grandpa won’t be freaked out by any flashing lights or automated voices in this truck but should be impressed by its smooth moves and simplicity. It should be available at the end of 2008.
Tesla+SolarCity = No Carbon
Well unless you already have an order in, you’ll have to wait until 2009 for your Tesla Roadster. This silent, sleek, and sexy two-seat, open top sports car can reach a top speed of 201 km/h (125 mph) at an acceleration of 0-96 km/h (0-60 mph) in 4 seconds and gets over 321 km/h (200 miles) of driving per each 3.5 hour charge. Not only is it the only 100 percent electric sports car with zero emissions, but a smart car with USB capabilities.
An interesting new accessory is the futuristic carport designed by SolarCity that matches the Tesla’s good looks. This photovoltaic carport can generate enough energy to power a daily commute of 64 km (40 miles) on clean, green solar energy and is set up to plug into the household resulting in the fastest charging times and lowest cost. Connecting the two is an obvious win, environmentally, economically, and socially.
Coming to a parking lot near you
All these EVs are going to need somewhere to park and charge. Envision Solar is manufacturing its first-ever Solar Grove -- an array of 25 "solar trees" that converts a 186-vehicle parking lot into a 235-kW solar electric generating system. What better use for hot blacktop asphalt lots that to transform them into energy-producing fields of shade, light, and power that conveniently charge your EV while your busy shopping at your favourite mega-mall for some organic fare?
"Look both ways before you cross the street" could come to have more meaning in 2008 when these noiseless and sleek EVs start hitting our streets.
Levi Felix is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles.
4 Comments
posted Feb 8, 2008 - 3:26 am by Stan Wellaway
I share your admiration for the Smith Newton all-electric truck, several hundred of which already operate in the UK. But it is coming to US streets sooner than you indicated. The first ones will be rolling out of Tanfield's existing Fresno, Calif; factory within weeks from now. 2010 is the date by when they hope to have ramped up US production to 10,000 trucks per year, having by then built an additional 300,000 sq ft US factory to cope with demand.
posted Feb 8, 2008 - 3:29 am by Stan Wellaway
Oh, and I should have mentioned that the other UK maker of all-electric delivery vehicles - Modec.co.uk - also have a handful of vehicles on trial in the US already.
posted Apr 26, 2008 - 2:09 pm by CD
I can't understand why you did not include ANY coverage of the ZENN car; an electric vehicle MADE IN CANADA which can be plugged in to any household outlet. Current models are already on the road in the US, but have yet to be approved by provincial governments in Ontario and other provinces (corruption and stupidity, mostly!) While the current models are designated as low-speed vehicles 25 MPH (about 40 KmH), a new version is being developed which will be capable of highway speeds and with a range of about 250 miles. If "Green Living" wants to be seen as the definitive source of information on green products, you MUST provide coverage on these guys, remember, the more coverage they get, the more pressure will be put on politicians to get them approved here in Canada! Check them out at: www.zenncars.com
posted Apr 26, 2008 - 2:26 pm by CD
Forgot to mention in my other post; see coverage from the Rick Mercer Report on the zenncars.com website as well; a hilarious commentary on government inefficiency. Kudos to the BC provincial government, however, apparently the ZENN car has been approved for the road there!
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